Discovery Kingdom To Add Spinning Roller Coaster In 2008

Article written by:Eric Gieszl, Editor

Vallejo, CA -- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom announced today it will expand its family attractions in 2008 with the addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a one-of-a-kind spinning roller coaster. Themed to resemble a skate park, Tony Hawk's Big Spin will put a new twist on a traditional roller coaster.

"For the 2007 season, we received rave reviews from guests about our park's successful makeover to offer even more diverse entertainment and family-friendly thrills," said Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Park President, Martin Lathrop.

According to Six Flags, this new family attraction will offer guests the opportunity to defy gravity just like professional skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. Individual cars with four riders seated two-abreast, face-to-face will cruise through a series of tricks, traveling through banked fan turns, quick hairpin curves and steep, low-to-the-ground drops all while spinning uncontrolled.

Each car is designed to resemble one of Tony Hawk's authentic skateboards, and spin independently throughout the ride so each ride experience is unique.

"The addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to offer enjoyment for kids, teens and adults alike," added Lathrop. "It is an excellent compliment to our unique ability to offer a wide variety of Land, Sea and Sky experiences."

Tony Hawk's Big Spin is designed exclusively for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom by German coaster manufacturer Gerstlauer GmbH.

Six Flags says it will cost $6.5 million to install the roller coaster that will be the first major family ride introduced at Discovery Kingdom since 2003. With the introduction of Tony Hawk's Big Spin the park will now have eight different roller coasters.

"Tony Hawk's Big Spin is just one of the many exciting attractions that await our guests for the 2008 season," Lathrop said. "We're confident this exciting new addition will further solidify Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's position as the top entertainment destination for families in Northern California."

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located in Vallejo, California, off Interstate 80, just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, 50 miles southwest of Sacramento and near the Napa Valley wine country.